In many homes around the world, the central gathering space is the core of all social interaction. When designing any space, it’s important to consider what it will be used for and plan accordingly. In the case of a living room / entertainment space, it can be used for lots of different activities.. but some of the main happenings in this space include:
I personally aim to design entertainment centers around the main functions that the individual foresees the space serving. Here are some examples of focused media walls:
What to do when you have an obstacle like a window on your focal wall, but you don’t want to sacrifice shelving space? Studio McGee creates a window bench and a rotated bookshelf to create a reading nook filled with light!
Who needs TV when you have an epic vinyl collection? One designer I look up to, Mariam Naficy, has a colorful home with built-ins designed specifically to house her record collection. She’s even included display shelving above to store the record that’s currently playing, or her all-time favorites!
I personally love a clean look without much clutter.. That’s why I’m so drawn to the concept of completely concealed cabinets in place of a ‘traditional’ media wall with display shelving that typically collects objects and dust bunnies. This space incorporates floor to ceiling cabinetry with a pattern, allowing for LOTS of storage, while also creating a warming focal point in the space.
There is endless potential in built-ins! They can be designed to store and display in proportion to your lifestyle! Concealed storage is a great option in small spaces for cleaning products or clothing. A music-centric wall can be used to display records and / or instruments, and to store the accessories away. Work spaces or reading benches can add a function to the structure, as well. The potential is endless!
